Burial-casket.



No.. 797,738. PATENTED AUG. 22, 1905.

. (Y. ADAMS.

BURIAL GASKET.

APLIOATIN FILED JUNE 2. 1906.

IE STATES PATENT OFFICE.

BURIAIIJCASKET.

Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 22, 1905.

Application filed .Tune 2, 1905. Serial No. 263,405.

To all wir/(mt t :mmv/y concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES C. ADAMS, a citizen ofthe United States, residing in the city and county of Kalamazoo, State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Burial-Gaskets. of which the following is a specification. l

This invention relates to improvements in burial-caskets.

The objects of this invention are, first, to provide an improved burial -casket which may be quickly and easily changed from an inclosed casket to a catafalque, or vice versa, as desired; second, to provide an improved burial-casket embodying the above-mentioned features which is neat and attractive in appearance and at the same time is simple and economical in structure. g

Further objects and objects relating to structural details will delinitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and means described in the following` specification.

The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which- Figure l is a longitudinal sectional view of my improved burial-casket, taken on a line corresponding to line 1 I of Fig. 2, the same being here shown adjusted to the couch position. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view thereof, taken on a line corresponding to line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional View with the parts adjusted as an inclosed casket, the cover-panel A being shown open.

In the drawings the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the ends of the section-lines, and similar letters of reference refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, I provide an outer shell or casing A, which is preferably made rectangular in form and which may be ornamented on the outside as may be desired.

A cover A is hinged to the shell at the rear side thereof, as clearly appears from the drawings. This cover is provided with a hinged panel A, which is intended for use when the structure is used as an inclosed casket. It is intended 1n practice that the inside of the cover shall be suitably ornamented.

The bottom B is adjustably arranged within the shell. The bottom B is connected to the cover A by means of links a, which are arranged at each end. In use it is intended that the bottom B shall be supported upon suitable pedestals and the shell or casing A adjusted thereon-that is, with the bottom supported by pedestals the shell is raised or lowered instead of raising or lowering the bottom. To assist in doing this, a pair of counterbalance-springs 7)" are connected to the bottom B by suitable clips 6. These springs are connected to the shell by cables b, which are arranged over the guide-rollers b, supported at the ends of the bottom B. These springs are made of sufficient strength to practically counterbalance the weight of the shell, so that the structure can be adjusted with comparative ease by merely opening' and closing the cover A.

An inner couch-like casket C, which is arranged to receive the corpse, is arranged upon the bottom B. This inner casket is suitably ornamented, as may be desired. It is also intended that the same be upholstered in any suitable manner; but as this forms no part of this invention I have not here illustrated the same.

By arranging the parts as I have illustrated and described I am able to secure a burialcasket which may be used either as a catafalque or as an inclosed casket, as may be desired, and one which is readily converted from one to the other.

With the bottom B supported upon pedestals the same may be adjusted as a catafalque and closed with comparative ease. It is evident that when the casket rests upon the iioor the bottom must be raised with any weight thereon. The structure is very desirable even when it is desired to be used as a closed casket on account of the convenience in arranging the corpse.

My improved burial-casket has a finished and attractive appearance when adjusted either as an inclosed casket or as a couchcasket.

I have illustrated and described my improved. burial-casket in detail in the form preferred by me on account of its structural simplicity and convenience in adjustment. I am, how.- ever, aware that it is capable of considerable variation in structural details without departing from my invention.

' Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. In a burial-casket, the Combination of a shell; a eover or top hinged thereto at the back; a movably-supported bottom; links oonneoting said bottom to said cover; a pair of eounterbalaneed springs secured to said bottom; rollers arranged at each end of said bottom; Cords connecting said springs to said shell, arranged over said rollers, said cords being Connected to said shell at the bottom thereof; and an inner Casket carried by said bottom, for the purpose specified.

2. In a burial-casket, the combination of a shell; a cover or top hinged thereto at the back; amovably-supported bottom; links oonneeting said bottom to said cover; a Counterbalanee-spring connected to said bottom and to said shell; and an inner casket carried by said bottom, for the purpose specified.

3. In a burial-Casket, the combination of an outer shell; an inner casket; and means for relatively adjusting said outer shell and said inner casket, for the purpose speoiied.

4. In a burial-casket, the combination of a shell; a cover or top hinged thereto at the back; amovably-supported bottom; links eonnesting said bottom to said cover; a pair of eounterbalance-springs secured to said bottom; rollers arranged at each end of said bottom; and cords connecting said springs to said shell, arranged over said rollers, said Cords being connected to said shell at the bottom thereof, for the purpose specified.

5. In a burial-casket, the combination of a shell; a cover or top hinged thereto at the back; amovably-supported bottom; links'eonnesting said bottom to said cover; and a counterbalanee-spring connected to said bottom and to said shell, for the purpose specified.

6. In a burial-Casket, the combination of a shell; a suitable cover therefor; a bottom, said lbottom and shell being adjustably supported in relation to each other; and a eounterbalance-spring connected to said shell and to said bottom, for the purpose specified.

7. In a burial-casket, the Combination of a shell; a cover or top hinged thereto; a hinged panel i'or said cover or top; an inner casket;

and means for relatively adjusting said outer shell and inner casket, for the purpose specified. l

^ In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of two witnesses.

CHARLES C. ADAMS. [L s] Vi'vitnesses:

ETI-IRL A. BRADFORD, Oris A. EARL. 

